Kia Kaha Christchurch, organised by Queenstown residents Liz White, Mark Quickfall and Margaret O'Hanlon, was pulled together in just over 24 hours, featuring about 30 musicians playing over six hours on the Village Green.
"It's a time of poignancy, remembering those who were killed or injured in that violent 10 seconds - that's all it took," the Rt Rev Dr David Coles told those gathered yesterday afternoon.
"One hundred and fifty four are confirmed dead, 50 or more are missing.
"It's time to open our hearts, reach out to those who are and who will remain traumatised [for] some time to come by the violence and shock of that earthquake.
"It's a time of solidarity as we link arms with [emergency personnel] ... and people from overseas, as well as our own country."
Dr Coles read a prayer "written for an occasion like this, after an earthquake" before a quiet fell over the crowd, which stood to observe the two-minute silence.
Many cried, hugged their children close to them or held hands with friends and strangers, dressed in red and black with heads bowed.
Immediately after the silence, Simon Green performed a heart-wrenching rendition of the New Zealand national anthem, leaving most of the crowd in tears.
Ms White said she had been talking to people around town last week, all of who felt "helpless".
"Rather than just keep talking about it, I decided to take action and just do it.
"I'm very fortunate to know the right people.
"People have been amazing - I'm blown away by people.
"I didn't get the final [OK] until 11am [on Monday] - it's reinforced the Queenstown community, everyone just wants to help our friends and neighbours in Christchurch.
"Anybody I rang in the last 24 hours and asked `can this happen' said `we'll make it happen'."
TomTom Productions had donated all the sound equipment for yesterday's event, Party Plus supplied the tent for performers and the Salvation Army ran a sausage sizzle and collected donations.
Ms White contacted Ms O'Hanlon on Sunday evening and said everything had been organised - all she needed was to find musicians.
About 30 signed on immediately, including Mark Hamilton, Mark Wilson, Max Gunn, Emily Burns, Katie McNeill, Toyhouse, The Fletcherz and The Lynch Mob.
Ms O'Hanlon said other musicians approached her during the event, offering to perform.
"The response was beautiful - it was absolutely gorgeous. It makes you very proud to be here."
